Arena Stage News

The Old Globe presents Shakespeare's classic tragedy OTHELLO, directed by Old Globe Artistic Director Barry Edelstein and the first show of the Globe's 2014 Summer Shakespeare Festival. Joining Blair Underwood in the title role are Richard Thomas as Iago, and Kristen Connolly as Desdemona are Broadway and Globe veterans Noah Bean(Michael Cassio; Yellow Face, 'Damages'), Jonny Orsini(Roderigo; The Nance), Mark Pinter (The Duke of Venice; the Globe's Hamlet and Charley's Aunt), Angela Reed (Emilia; Rock 'n' Roll, the Globe's August: Osage County), and Mike Sears (Brabantio, Gratiano; La Jolla Playhouse's Sideways and His Girl Friday). Scroll down for photos from the show's opening night festivities!

Back by popular demand, THE BOOK OF MORMON, which played a record breaking two week run in 2013, returns for a limited engagement at the Detroit Opera House, July 1 through July 13, 2014.

The Religion Thing, produced by the award-winning Project Y Theatre Company, will have its New York premiere when it begins previews Wednesday, June 18, at 8:00pm for an opening Today, July 1, at 8:00pm at The Cell Theatre, 338 West 23rd Street. The Religion Thing runs through August 1

Catholic, Fundamentalist, gay, straight, Mormon, Jew, alcoholism, sex, love and mixed marriage are the tangle of dynamics for a pair of married couples in Renee Calarco's comedy of faith, the 2013 Charles MacArthur nominated The Religion Thing, directed by Douglas Hall. The Religion Thing, produced by the award-winning Project Y Theatre Company, will have its New York premiere when it begins previews Wednesday, June 18, at 8:00pm for an opening Today, July 1, at 8:00pm at The Cell Theatre, 338 West 23rd Street. The Religion Thing runs through August 1.

The Nuyorican Poets Cafe's 40th anniversary season continues with the world premiere of Wesley Brown's play Dark Meat on a Funny Mind, which stars Tony nominee Anthony Chisholm as legendary comedian Richard Pryor. In Dark Meat, Pryor and his mischievous alter ego (played by actress Trish McCall) revisit the characters who shaped his life and inspired his career. The result is hilarious, surprising and memorable. A. Dean Irby directs the production, which opens July 31 and runs through August 24.

Upcoming Equity Auditions from Sunday, June 29, 2014.

According to the Washington Post, a car smashed into the Arena Stage in the District Saturday night. The building appears to be fine and without damage; however, it wasn't clear if the people in the car were injured. Luckily, the car didn't hit any pedestrians.

Theater critic and novelist, Tim Treanor, debuts Dracula. A Love Story. at the Capital Fringe Festival, to be held July 10-27. A modern take of the Bram Stoker classic, Treanor's production company, Wry Productions, explores contemporary ideas about love and life set in Washington, DC, through this timeless drama.

Casting is complete for Steppenwolf Theatre Company's Chicago-premiere production of The Night Alive by Conor McPherson. Henry Wishcamper directs a cast featuring ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper with Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh. The world premiere of The Night Alive was produced at the Donmar Warehouse in 2013. The Night Alive begins previews September 18, 2014 (opening night is September 28; press performances are September 27 at 3pm and September 30 at 7:30pm) and runs through November 16, 2014 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre (1650 N Halsted St).

Tectonic Theater Project to present excerpts of Carmen: A new Afro-Cuban musical in development at The Guggenheim's 'Works & Process' series Today, June 28th 7:30pm. Directed by Moises Kaufman, Music Adaptation by Arturo O'Farrill, and Music Direction and Vocal Arrangements by Andrea Grody.

Imagination Stage is the new home of Giant Country in The BFG (Big Friendly Giant), a play based on the book by Roald Dahl and adapted by David Wood. Co-directed by Imagination Stage's Associate Artistic Director Kathryn Chase Bryer and Eric J. Van Wyk of Viterbo University, The BFG integrates puppetry, rich visuals, and imaginative storytelling as Sophie and the Big Friendly Giant go on a magical journey to save the children of England. Scroll down for a first look at the cast onstage!

True Colors Theatre will present SAME TIME NEXT YEAR, running July 8 - August 3, 2014 at the Southwest Arts Center. Written by Bernard Slade and directed by Chris Coleman, the production will star Tony winners Kenny Leon and Phylicia Rashad.

Casting is complete for Steppenwolf Theatre Company's Chicago-premiere production of The Night Alive by Conor McPherson. Henry Wishcamper directs a cast featuring ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper with Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh. The world premiere of The Night Alive was produced at the Donmar Warehouse in 2013. The Night Alive begins previews September 18, 2014 (opening night is September 28; press performances are September 27 at 3pm and September 30 at 7:30pm) and runs through November 16, 2014 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre (1650 N Halsted St).

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, announces casting for the first three productions of the 40th Anniversary Season.

Tectonic Theater Project to present excerpts of Carmen: A new Afro-Cuban musical in development at The Guggenheim's 'Works & Process' series Saturday, June 28th 7:30pm. Directed by Moisés Kaufman, Music Adaptation by Arturo O'Farrill, and Music Direction and Vocal Arrangements by Andrea Grody.

California Shakespeare Theater continues its 2014 season with Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors, directed by Aaron Posner. The Comedy of Errors plays at the Bruns Amphitheater from today, June 25 through July 20.

The Muny presents the second show of its 96th season, TARZAN, directed by John Tartaglia, choreographed by Chris Bailey, with musical direction by Rick Bertone.

Berkshire Theatre Group and Artistic Director/CEO, Kate Maguire have announced the Summer 2014 Theatre Season offering classic works coupled with contemporary plays.

BroadwayWorld.com, the most visited theatre site on the net, presents its newest, exclusive TV series - BROADWAY QUICK CHANGE. This newly minted series follows Broadway phenom Robert Hartwell on inspirational shopping outings, then into the dressing rooms of Broadway's hottest stars, where wielding his interior design chops, and extraordinary taste, transforms their home away from home, from the Drab to the Fab, the Blah to the Ahhhh! In this latest episode, watch Robert transform the dressing room of LaChanze, who is currently starring as 'Kate' in If/Then on Broadway!

Screen Actors Guild Foundation and Broadway World have partnered for an filmed Conversations Q&A series to recognize and celebrate the vibrant theatre community in New York City and the union actors who aspire to have a career on the stage and screen. The most recent conversation featured 2014 Tony nominee Estelle Parsons, who most recently starred on Broadway in The Velocity of Autumn, moderated by BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge. Check out the full interview below!